Year: 2024

Our Blog

Angel Gown Volunteers Help Lose Babies

The loss of an infant, whether through miscarriage or stillbirth, is one of the most heartbreaking experiences for any family. Many parents are forced to go through this without the support of loved ones, but there is a small community of people who offer hope and compassion. These individuals are called angel gown volunteers, and they use their sewing skills to make beautiful gowns for babies who are unable to come home from the hospital alive. In a time of grief and despair, Kathleen Sharp turned her wedding dress into an angel gown for a baby who will never come home. She is one of the many nurses at Levine Children’s Hospital who have made this commitment to help families in their hour of need. For those who have had a loss of an infant, the gown is a comforting way to remember their child. The dresses, which are made from donated wedding dresses, are given to the parents free of charge and allow them to hold their baby in comfort. This organization, which is based in San Diego, has been around for 10 years and has helped more than 32,000 grieving parents. As a home economics teacher, Terry Bauer knew her way around a sewing machine, but after her school district cut its teaching jobs, she wanted to continue to utilize her skills. Scrolling through Facebook, she saw an article about a woman who sewed gowns for infants who died. That moment was the inspiration for Bauer, who now sews nearly every day. “What I love about this work is that it gives me a chance to give back in a way that means something to me,” she said. “I can feel like I’m doing a little bit of good in this world.” In addition to gowns, she also makes blankets and hats, which are donated to local hospitals. She has even designed a pattern for sleep sacks and overalls that she hopes to see become more common. “It’s really important for grieving families to have a special memory of their baby,” she said. While the gowns bring comfort to families, they can be a challenge for anyone who doesn’t have the skills. That’s why she’s also created kits for people who want to try their hand at sewing these delicate garments. If you would like to donate a dress or be part of this volunteer group, click here. A generous financial gift helps to provide the golden keepsake angel, a beautiful gift box and direct delivery into the hands and hearts of a hurting family. Thank you for your support!

Our Blog

How to Arrange a Child Funeral

A child funeral is often a very emotional time for everyone involved. Children may have questions and ideas about what they want to happen at the service. It’s important to allow them to express these and to take the lead as much as possible. You can create a child-friendly service that is different from or similar to a ceremony for an adult and it’s okay to go with what feels right for your family. It’s also important to explain the logistics of a funeral for a child, such as where people will be sitting and what they might see. You can also discuss how long the service will last and what to expect if they’re going to view the body. You can also share what’s expected of them during the service, such as being quiet and still for extended periods of time. If they are going to view the casket, you can explain what it will look like and how the body is kept in the casket. If they are being cremated you can help them understand that the ashes are kept in an urn and that the urn won’t be open for viewing. You can also discuss how the body will be taken from the funeral home and what happens to it afterwards. At the service, make sure you have a point person assigned for any child who needs a break from the proceedings. They can be helpful in taking them for a walk or offering activities to help keep them occupied. You can also plan ahead by having a box of things they might need, such as a blanket or book. You can also ask important people in your child’s life to read a reflection or memory or write a letter. They can also help to create a meaningful memorial by planting a tree or putting up an ornament in their memory. You can also have an alternative ceremony at home or do something special for them at the cemetery or crematorium, such as lighting a candle or leaving flowers. A lot of the arrangements for a child funeral can be done online or with the help of family and friends. This can be very helpful as it can allow you to focus on your child’s funeral and not have to worry about the organising. It can also reduce stress when you are already dealing with grief and loss. There is no right or wrong way to arrange a funeral for your child. You can hold a ceremony that is very similar to one for an adult, or you can have a more personal celebration. It’s also okay to have a smaller ceremony than what would be normal for an adult, but you should go with what feels right to you and your family. If you do need assistance, it’s worth getting in touch with a support service, such as Winston’s Wish or Child Bereavement UK, who can help you with planning and funding.

Our Blog

How to Choose Baby Clothing That’s Comfortable and Practical

For parents who are preparing for the arrival of their first child, buying baby clothing can feel like a daunting task. It’s hard to know what your little one will need until they arrive, but the key is comfort and practicality. While there is a place for cute matching outfits, babies will be much more interested in eating and sleeping in comfortable clothes. Baby clothes should be made from soft materials, like cotton. Unlike synthetics, cotton is breathable and helps regulate body temperature. It’s also gentle on the skin and washes well. When choosing the best baby clothing, look for styles with stretchy waists and necklines to ensure easy access for nappy changes. Jumpsuits that snap at the front are also easier to get on than onesies, as they don’t have to be pulled over the head. A good choice for daytime wear is a onesie, with either short or long sleeves. These are great for newborns as they can be worn with a jacket or blanket for warmth. They’re also easy to pair with a bib, especially if you plan on breast-feeding. For sleepy time, a footie pajama is also a comfortable choice. These are usually long-sleeved and have a teddy bear or dinosaur design, which is great for young children. For more formal occasions, a baby can be dressed up in scaled-down adult clothes, such as mini tuxedos or dresses. The best brands for baby clothing include Target, Carter’s and Old Navy. These affordable options are all comfortable and come in a range of colors, patterns and styles. They are good quality and have the added benefit of being machine-washable. Many of them also partner with kids’ favorite characters to create themed outfits that make them extra special. Some brands offer a return window, which can be helpful if you’re unsure what size your baby will wear. The length of this period varied wildly across the 11 brands we tested, so it’s worth checking before making a purchase. During the return window, you can shop and try different sizes on your baby to see what’s right for them.

Our Blog

Panduan Lengkap Togel Hongkong: Prediksi, Data, dan Live Draw Terbaru

Togel Hongkong telah menjadi salah satu permainan yang paling digemari di Indonesia. Setiap harinya, jutaan pemain berpartisipasi dalam menebak angka dan berharap mendapatkan keberuntungan. Dengan pertumbuhan teknologi, togel kini dapat diakses secara online, memudahkan para penggemarnya untuk mengikuti permainan ini dari mana saja. Dalam artikel ini, kami akan membahas secara lengkap mengenai togel Hongkong, termasuk prediksi, data terkini, serta live draw terbaru yang dapat membantu Anda dalam meraih kemenangan. Tidak hanya membahas tentang cara bermain, artikel ini juga akan memberikan informasi mengenai keluaran HK, pengeluaran HK, dan berbagai tips untuk meningkatkan peluang menang. Kami juga akan menyajikan bocoran HK dan data HK penting yang sudah terakumulasi, sehingga Anda dapat melakukan analisis dengan lebih baik. Mari kita telusuri bersama dunia togel Hongkong dan temukan rahasia di balik pengundian yang selalu dinanti-nanti setiap harinya. Prediksi Togel Hongkong Prediksi togel Hongkong selalu menjadi perhatian para pemain dan penggemar togel. Banyak yang mencari bocoran angka jitu sebagai acuan untuk memasang taruhan. Dengan menganalisa data hk sebelumnya dan melihat pola keluaran yang ada, pemain dapat membuat prediksi yang lebih akurat untuk togel hari ini. Namun, penting untuk diingat bahwa togel adalah permainan peluang dan hasilnya tetap tidak dapat diprediksi secara pasti. Dalam komunitas togel online, sering terjadi diskusi mengenai angka-angka yang dipercaya akan keluar berdasarkan statistik dan pengalaman. Beberapa situs togel Hongkong menyediakan prediksi harian yang dapat dijadikan referensi. Pemain juga dapat memanfaatkan live draw hk setiap malam untuk melihat hasil yang aktual dan membuat analisa lebih lanjut. Dengan mengumpulkan informasi dan data hk yang relevan, para pemain dapat meningkatkan peluang mereka. togel hk Tidak ada rumus pasti dalam memprediksi togel, namun keyakinan dalam analisis yang matang dapat memberikan hasil yang memuaskan. Oleh karena itu, selalu update dengan informasi terbaru dari hongkong pools dan menggunakan pendekatan sistematis dalam menentukan taruhan. Dengan cara ini, pemain dapat menjadikan prediksi togel Hongkong sebagai alat bantu dalam meraih kemenangan. Data dan Statistik Togel Data dan statistik merupakan bagian penting dalam permainan togel Hongkong. Setiap hasil keluaran hk dicatat dan dianalisis untuk membantu pemain dalam membuat prediksi yang lebih akurat. Dengan melihat data hk dari hasil sebelumnya, pemain dapat mengidentifikasi pola atau tren yang mungkin muncul, sehingga meningkatkan peluang mereka untuk menang. Situs togel online biasanya menyediakan data ini secara lengkap dan terupdate. Selain itu, data statistik togel juga mencakup informasi mengenai frekuensi angka yang muncul, kombinasi angka yang sering terpilih, dan catatan khusus mengenai angka yang jarang keluar. Ini termasuk bocoran hk yang sering dicari oleh para pemain untuk menemukan angka-angka potensial. Memanfaatkan data ini dengan baik dapat memberi pemain keunggulan saat memasang nomor, baik di toto hk maupun di bandar togel online. Pemain harus selalu mengikuti live draw hk untuk mendapatkan informasi terbaru mengenai keluaran hongkong. Momen live draw tidak hanya menyajikan hasil secara langsung, tetapi juga memberikan kesempatan bagi pemain untuk merasakan suasana dan kegembiraan saat angka-angka dibacakan. Dengan menggabungkan data dan statistik dengan hasil live hongkong, pemain diharapkan dapat meningkatkan strategi dan prediksi hk mereka dalam bermain togel. Live Draw dan Keluaran Terbaru Setiap penggemar togel hongkong pasti menantikan momen live draw sebagai ajang penentuan angka-angka yang akan membawa keberuntungan. Live draw hk diselenggarakan secara langsung oleh Hongkong Pools, memberikan kesempatan bagi pemain untuk melihat hasil keluaran hk secara real-time. Dengan adanya teknologi streaming yang berkembang, para pemain dapat menyaksikan live hongkong dari mana saja tanpa harus datang ke lokasi fisik. Keluaran hk yang ditampilkan dalam live draw sangat penting sebagai referensi bagi para pemain togel. Data hk ini tidak hanya menunjang prediksi hk selanjutnya, tetapi juga memberikan gambaran tentang pola angka yang sering keluar. Peluang untuk mendapatkan angka tepat menjadi lebih besar jika pemain menganalisis data hk secara rutin dan menyaksikan live draw hk setiap harinya. Bagi yang ingin mendapatkan informasi tercepat dan akurat mengenai keluaran terbaru, banyak situs togel hongkong yang menawarkan pembaruan langsung. Situs togel online ini biasanya mempercepat penyampaian informasi mengenai pengeluaran hk yang baru saja berlangsung. Dengan begitu, pemain dapat segera melakukan analisis dan prediksi berdasarkan hasil yang mereka lihat, membuat pengalaman bermain togel semakin menarik. Situs Bandar Togel Hongkong Situs bandar togel Hongkong telah menjadi pilihan utama bagi para pemain yang ingin mencoba peruntungan mereka melalui permainan togel. Dengan adanya berbagai situs yang bisa diakses secara online, para pemain dapat dengan mudah menemukan platform yang menawarkan permainan togel dengan berbagai keunggulan, mulai dari bonus, akurasi prediksi, hingga layanan pelanggan yang responsif. Memilih situs yang terpercaya sangat penting agar pengalaman bermain menjadi aman dan menyenangkan. Menggunakan situs bandar togel online, pemain dapat melihat data keluaran hk secara langsung dan mendapatkan informasi terbaru tentang pengeluaran hk. Situs-situs ini sering kali menyediakan live draw hk, yang memungkinkan pemain untuk menyaksikan hasil undian secara real-time. Ini memberikan transparansi dan kepercayaan bagi pemain bahwa hasil yang diperoleh adalah valid dan dapat dipertanggungjawabkan. Selain itu, banyak bandar togel Hongkong yang juga menyediakan berbagai bocoran hk dan prediksi hk yang dapat membantu pemain dalam menentukan angka-angka jitu untuk dipasang. Dengan memanfaatkan informasi ini, pemain dapat meningkatkan peluang mereka untuk menang. Pastikan untuk memilih situs togel Hongkong yang kredibel dan memiliki reputasi baik dalam memberikan layanan kepada para pemainnya.

Our Blog

Burial Gowns – Choosing the Right Clothes For a Funeral

Traditionally, burial gowns were crafted from the clothes of the deceased. However, this has become less common, especially with many people choosing to honor their loved ones in clothing that reflects their lifestyle and interests. This could mean that Grandma’s apron is part of the funeral outfit, or Dad’s favorite pair of fishing pants is included. This can help to ensure that everyone at the service feels like they have seen their loved one, even if they’re not wearing the exact same attire they remember them in. While deciding on the right clothing can be difficult for many families, there are several factors that come into play when selecting an appropriate outfit. Some of these include any special requests the deceased left in their will or notes, cultural guidelines, and color choices. For example, if the deceased wanted attendees to wear white to symbolize their peaceful passing, this should be adhered to at their funeral. Other factors are more personal. For instance, some people choose to dress their loved ones in a uniform to show respect to their military or police service. This can be a great way for families to feel connected to their loved one, and it also shows others how their beloved person served their community. When deciding on the right clothing to dress a loved one in, many families look to their closets for ideas. This is a wonderful way to get an idea of what your loved one wore in life, and it can be a very moving experience for those who attend the funeral or memorial service. Whether it’s a classic suit for your father or a favorite sweater that your mother always wore, these clothing items can make your loved one’s appearance at their service feel more personal and meaningful. Aside from clothing, there are some other accessories that can be used during a funeral or memorial service. These can include a hat or scarf, and some people prefer to have gloves as well. When deciding what to wear, it’s important to keep in mind that you may be wearing the garment for an extended period of time, so it should be comfortable. For example, if you want to wear gloves to help protect your hands during a funeral or memorial service, you’ll need to consider how long you plan on wearing them. Many people also choose to dress infants in their own clothes rather than the hospital blanket that they are often buried in. This is because it’s a much more personal choice, and it can be comforting to the parents who have lost their little angels. There are a number of organizations that create and distribute burial gowns and wraps to help give a sense of peace and dignity to bereaved families. For example, the organization Sew & Tell makes tiny burial gowns for babies weighing two to eight pounds, and they are available in three different sizes. This is a beautiful project, and it provides an alternative to parents who might otherwise have nothing other than the hospital blanket to dress their baby with.

Our Blog

Raih Kemenangan Besar: Menjelajahi Dunia Demo Slot Pragmatic Play dan Slot Gacor!

Dalam dunia perjudian online, mesin slot telah menjadi salah satu permainan paling populer di kalangan para pemain. Khususnya, slot dari Pragmatic Play menawarkan pengalaman bermain yang menarik dan peluang kemenangan yang besar. Dengan berbagai pilihan tema dan fitur, pengguna dapat dengan mudah menemukan demo slot yang sesuai dengan selera mereka. Artikel ini akan membawa Anda menjelajahi dunia demo slot Pragmatic Play, menjelaskan mengapa slot gacor menjadi favorit banyak orang, dan bagaimana Anda bisa memanfaatkan slot demo untuk meningkatkan peluang meraih kemenangan besar. Slot online tidak hanya memberikan hiburan, tetapi juga memberikan kesempatan untuk meraih hadiah yang menggiurkan. Dalam konteks ini, slot demo menjadi alat yang sangat berguna bagi pemain baru maupun yang berpengalaman. Dengan mencoba berbagai demo slot gratis, Anda dapat mengasah keterampilan dan menemukan strategi yang tepat sebelum bermain dengan uang sungguhan. Kami akan mengulas slot demo maxwin dan slot demo gacor yang bisa Anda coba, serta memberikan informasi tentang situs slot online terpercaya untuk memastikan Anda bermain dengan aman dan nyaman. Siapkan diri Anda untuk meraih kemenangan besar dalam petualangan menarik ini! Panduan Memilih Demo Slot Pragmatic Play Memilih demo slot dari Pragmatic Play bisa menjadi langkah awal yang menyenangkan bagi para penggemar permainan slot online. Pertama, pastikan Anda mengakses situs slot online terpercaya yang menyediakan berbagai pilihan game demo. Situs-situs tersebut biasanya menawarkan demo slot gratis yang memungkinkan pemain mencoba permainan tanpa risiko kehilangan uang. Dengan mencoba beberapa permainan, Anda dapat merasakan berbagai tema dan fitur yang ditawarkan oleh Pragmatic Play. slot pragmatic play Selanjutnya, perhatikan slot demo maxwin yang populer di kalangan pemain. Slot ini sering kali memiliki potensi kemenangan yang lebih tinggi dan bisa memberikan pengalaman bermain yang lebih menarik. Melihat ulasan dan rekomendasi tentang slot gacor hari ini juga bisa membantu Anda menemukan demo slot yang memiliki tingkat pembayaran yang baik. Slot gacor dikenal karena kemudahan menang yang ditawarkannya, sehingga cocok untuk pemain yang ingin mencoba peruntungannya. Terakhir, jangan lupa untuk memanfaatkan akun demo slot jika tersedia. Dengan akun ini, Anda dapat melakukan penyesuaian pengaturan dan memahami mekanisme permainan dengan lebih baik. Pengalaman ini akan membantu Anda mempersiapkan diri untuk bermain di permainan slot online gacor yang sebenarnya. Menggunakan fitur demo slot pragmatic play ini akan meningkatkan peluang Anda untuk meraih kemenangan saat bermain dengan uang asli. Strategi Memenangkan Slot Gacor Memenangkan permainan slot gacor memerlukan pemahaman yang baik mengenai cara kerja mesin slot dan beberapa strategi yang efektif. Pertama, penting untuk memilih permainan yang memiliki pengembalian kepada pemain (RTP) tinggi. Permainan dengan RTP di atas 95 persen biasanya menawarkan peluang yang lebih baik untuk menang. Selain itu, selalu lakukan riset mengenai slot demo yang populer dan memiliki ulasan positif dari pemain lain. Kedua, manfaatkan slot demo untuk berlatih sebelum bermain dengan uang sungguhan. Slot demo memberikan kesempatan untuk memahami fitur-fitur permainan dan cara menang tanpa risiko kehilangan uang. Dengan bermain di slot demo, Anda dapat menguji berbagai strategi dan memilih mana yang paling cocok untuk Anda. Ini juga membantu membangun kepercayaan diri sebelum masuk ke permainan slot online gacor. Terakhir, kelola bankroll Anda dengan bijak. Tentukan batasan berapa banyak yang siap Anda pertaruhkan dan stick pada anggaran tersebut. Jangan tergoda untuk terus bermain ketika sedang menang, namun juga jangan terlalu lama bermain ketika sedang mengalami kekalahan. Selain itu, pilih situs slot online terpercaya untuk memastikan keamanan dan kenyamanan dalam bermain. Dengan mengikuti strategi ini, peluang untuk meraih kemenangan besar akan semakin meningkat. Manfaat Bermain Slot Demo Bermain slot demo memberikan kesempatan bagi para pemain untuk mengenal berbagai jenis permainan tanpa harus mempertaruhkan uang sungguhan. Dengan adanya slot demo, pengguna dapat menjelajahi berbagai fitur dan mekanisme tiap permainan, seperti cara pembayaran, simbol bonus, dan fitur khusus lainnya. Hal ini memungkinkan pemain untuk menguasai permainan yang mereka minati sebelum memutuskan untuk bermain dengan uang nyata. Selain itu, slot demo juga menjadi sarana yang ideal bagi pemain baru untuk memahami strategi yang tepat dalam permainan slot. Melalui pengalaman bermain yang bebas risiko, mereka dapat menemukan pola dan teknik yang bisa meningkatkan peluang menang. Ini sangat penting, terutama bagi yang baru memasuki dunia judi online, agar bisa bermain dengan lebih percaya diri saat beralih ke mode taruhan uang asli. Terakhir, bermain di slot demo juga bisa menjadi cara yang menyenangkan untuk bersantai dan menghibur diri. Tanpa tekanan kehilangan uang, pemain dapat menikmati pengalaman permainan slot dengan santai. Dengan banyaknya pilihan slot demo, termasuk slot gacor dan permainan dari Pragmatic Play, para pemain dapat menemukan hiburan yang sesuai dengan selera mereka, membuat pengalaman bermain slot menjadi lebih menyenangkan dan bermanfaat.

Our Blog

Donate Wedding Dresses to Charities

Many brides keep their wedding dresses as cherished keepsakes or pass them down to the next generation. Other brides choose to participate in the popular “destroy the dress” tradition and have their gown artfully splattered with paint, mud or other messy media, giving it a unique and often evocative new look. But for those who simply don’t want their dress to end up in a closet or trash can, there are several meaningful charities that will happily accept your pre-owned gown and give it a second life. Most dress charities and thrift shops require your gown to be in good condition and recently cleaned. They also have specific guidelines for how the dresses should be packed and mailed, so it’s a good idea to contact the organization in advance with your dress details to find out exactly what they are looking for. One charity that accepts used wedding dresses is Adorned in Grace, a faith-based organization that sells donated gowns at its three stores and uses the proceeds to fight human trafficking. The organization is looking for gowns designed in the last five years, including veils and accessories. Other charities that have a more singular focus, such as cancer research, are eager to take your dress and use it to raise money for the cause. Depending on the charity you choose, they may offer a tax deduction for your donation, which can be helpful in this challenging economic climate, where millions of Americans are unemployed or struggling to pay their bills. Another option is to donate your wedding gown to a baby loss charity like NICU Helping Hands, which turns wedding dresses into tiny infant burial gowns that can be given to families who lose their premature babies. A seamstress who works with the organization transforms the dresses into small, angel-like garments that are offered at hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes to comfort the grieving parents. Some dress retailers, like Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Maryland, have partnerships with these charities and will resell your gown at a discounted rate to benefit the charity. Other dress companies that offer this service include Brides for a Cause and Operation Prom. Whether you’re donating to a specific charity or simply taking your gown to a thrift store, it’s always wise to label the box with helpful information about the dress, such as the name of the designer and year it was purchased, to save time for the staff at the charity. It’s also a great way to prevent the dress from getting lost in transit, or mistakenly being mislabeled with other donations. In addition to helping a worthy cause, donating your dress can help you clear out your closet and free up space for other items that will make your home more comfortable and stylish. Plus, the less clothing that is thrown away in landfills, the better – according to GreenDrop, the production of new clothes and textiles requires hundreds of gallons of water and causes 10% of global carbon emissions.

Our Blog

Angel Gowns for Babies Who Passed Away

A woman’s wedding dress often ends up in a closet or attic after her special day. But one woman is using her wedding dress to help grieving families by sewing tiny angel gowns for babies that died during pregnancy or shortly after birth. 24,000 babies are stillborn every year in the United States, and it’s a heartbreaking tragedy for the families that experience it. Fortunately, a Baltimore County woman and her volunteers are working to make the process of losing an infant a little easier for those families by giving babies honorable burials with beautiful handmade gowns stitched from donated wedding dresses. Founded in 2014, Jordyn’s Gift is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that transforms donated wedding dresses into angel gowns for babies who passed away during the gestational period or shortly after birth. The gowns are given to hospitals, funeral homes and directly to grieving parents. The organization was started by Sarah Mangiaracina, who lost her daughter to a miscarriage in 2009. Since then, the organization has grown and has served over 1,000 families. The organization also makes memory blankets and keepsake angels. Mangiaracina has a special place in her heart for the mothers who experience this type of loss, and she wants to do all she can to make sure families have the support they need during this tragic time. While most of the organization’s donors are women, men also contribute to the effort. Mangiaracina says they are just as moved by the stories of the grieving families as women are. The organization has received donations from men in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and elsewhere in Washington state. A widowed mother in Michigan also uses her wedding dress to bring dignity to grieving families. Bonnie Kalahar is a seamstress who uses her sewing skills to transform donated wedding dresses into baby burial gowns for families who have lost their infants during pregnancy or shortly after birth. She says she never meets the families but knows her work makes a difference. “This is a difficult ministry, but it’s important,” she said. Schatz sews the angel gowns in her Kingsville living room, cutting out patterns of all sizes for boys and girls. She adds ribbon, beads and lace. The gowns are then filled with batting, and tied together to form the tiny outfits. She says her back closet is overflowing with the beautiful creations, and she needs more fabric, ribbon, gallon zip-lock bags and other supplies. During this holiday season, the community can help Jordyn’s Gift and other organizations by making donations of wedding dresses and other material for the angel gowns. Those in the area can also volunteer to help with sewing or other tasks. Those interested in donating can find more information here. Jordyn’s Gift is holding a Tea & Silent Auction on Saturday, October 14. The event will include silent auction items, tea and cookies. Tickets are available here. The organization is always accepting monetary donations to purchase embellishments and other materials, including yarn, lap blankets, baby items, sew-in Velcro, thread, ribbon, soft fleece and elastic.

Our Blog

How to Help Your Child Attend a Funeral

Children grieve differently than adults, and they may experience many emotions as a result of the loss of their loved one. Children are often very honest in expressing their feelings, and as parents, it is important to listen and support them. While it is normal for children to act out during this stressful time, you can help them cope with their grief by making sure that they are comfortable at all times. If you are concerned that your child is exhibiting unusual behaviors, you should contact a professional counselor for guidance. Children in this age group are able to understand the concept of death and are often ready to attend their first funeral. However, they still have questions and concerns that must be addressed before the funeral. This is a good time to visit the cemetery and crematorium with your child and explain what will happen before, during and after the ceremony. A child’s natural curiosity will often lead to them wondering what will happen at a funeral service, and you can address any questions or concerns that they have by being honest and giving them as much detail as they need. You can also encourage them to ask their family and friends for help with understanding what will occur during the funeral service. When it comes time for the funeral, you can explain to your child that their sibling will be laying in a casket. If the casket will be open, you can describe how their sibling is fully dressed (including shoes) and has their arms folded with their eyes closed. If the casket will be closed, you can offer a similar explanation and reassure your child that their sibling cannot feel cold, pain or fear. During the funeral service, you can explain to your child that everyone will be there to pay their respects and celebrate their life. You can also invite them to participate by lighting a candle, placing something special (such as a photo or memento) in the casket or by reading a poem. Shyer children will usually feel more included if they have a choice to do something during the funeral or memorial service rather than being forced to do so. You can also plan to have special teddy bears or other toys that will be placed in the casket or urn. This can be comforting for your child as they will have a physical reminder of their sibling throughout their life. In addition to teddy bears or other toys, you can also encourage your child and their siblings to write letters to their baby sibling, which will be placed in the casket or tucked into their urn. You can also plan to have special poems or songs read during the service, and you can invite a family member, close friend or religious figure to make remarks. There is no right or wrong way to plan a child’s funeral, and you should do what feels most appropriate for your family.

Our Blog

Baby Clothing – How to Pick the Right Clothes For Your Baby

The clothes a baby wears will likely change as they grow, so stocking up is a must. But with the number of brands out there and countless styles to consider, it’s hard to know where to start. The key is to look for breathable fabrics, comfortable fits and a focus on safety. The best brands also use organic and eco-friendly manufacturing processes to reduce their impact on the planet. A good starter outfit is a onesie or bodysuit. These are easy to snap open and shut across the back, making them perfect for quick diaper changes and washing. Look for onesies with cuffs to protect babies’ legs from chilly air and double zippers, which make it easy to get the top of their shirt off without having to undress them completely. Onesies are usually made of soft, stretchy cotton and come with or without feet. For cold weather, add a sweater or cardigan to the outfit. Baby bunting and a hat will help keep baby warm, too. But be careful not to overbundle them, as babies can become easily overheated. Look for signs that a baby is too hot: flushed cheeks, fussiness or sweaty backs. When it comes to nightwear, it’s important to have a few pairs of footie pajamas for your baby. These are soft and cozy, making them perfect for a long, nap-filled night. They’ll help keep the heat in at night, which is especially helpful for infants who are struggling to regulate their body temperature due to a new environment. Another essential piece of baby clothing is a sleeping bag. These are great for newborns, who often sleep in a prone position. Sleep bags also provide a barrier to the elements, which helps to protect your baby from cold drafts. Some sleeping bags are designed with a front opening that makes it easy to grab your baby’s arms and legs when they wake up. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, someone else or just browsing, the right baby clothes will make for adorable (and comfy) fashionistas! For clothes that scream “baby,” shop Zara. The brand’s designs are stylish and on-trend, with some that veer childish and others closer to what Mom or Dad might wear. GH staffers who buy Zara’s clothes for their own children say the pieces are on the pricey side, but they feel they’re worth the investment because of their high quality and attention to detail. Shoppers looking for organic and eco-friendly baby clothes may want to consider a brand like Burt’s Bees. The company offers a variety of clothes and pajamas for babies and toddlers in a range of colors and patterns, and its garments are GOTS certified. This means the apparel is made using cotton that has been grown and processed without any harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or dyes. The company’s price points are more affordable than those of some other GOTS-certified products, making it easier for new parents to curate a wardrobe they can feel good about.